Margo Desil – Knowledge Is Power

My father always told me, “nothing worth having, will come easy”. Wise words to live by, because surely if it was worth it and it came easy, will it be yours forever? Without the foundation of trials and tribulations, could you really appreciate the worth of something? I can’t answer these questions for anyone else but myself, and the answer for me is no. Almost everything in my life came with a struggle but the outcome of success made the pain worthwhile. Which brings me to my point, China.

A girl like me, different from the rest, pain surely was no stranger, and knowledge was always my quest. I found myself applying to a once in a lifetime opportunity to China, to experience something completely foreign. When the opportunity had risen, it became mines, and I knew it was my time. The power of faith, prayer, can go a long way.

I am now four months into my trip in china, the time is quickly coming to an end. Excitement and fear are the only two things I seem to feel lately. Excitement, because I’ve been homesick and I will soon return home to see my family. Fear, because I do not want this to actually be a once in a lifetime experience for me. Since I’ve been in china, it has helped me view the world and my life differently.

Chinese people work ethic is intense, they are determined to always improve and perfect whatever they are given. I tend to work hard but I also tend to slack. Being in China, only seemed to emphasize more, for me that “Nothing worth having, will come easy” Knowledge is definitely worth having and it has not come easy for me. The knowledge for their culture, history of the language and faith, has been a tough subject to grasp. However, it has not been impossible. Just like traveling anywhere in the world; I feel like China is all about what you make it. If you travel to a new place, of course everything is going to be different than what you are used to.

However, that is only supposed to make you want to learn something new about the culture so much more. When I first arrived here, I wasn’t familiar with anyone on this trip, we were all strangers, brought together to experience something great. The truth is, I didn’t know what to expect, I wasn’t sure if China would be a good or unpleasant experience for me. However, life is all about taking chances so I decided to take that leap.

Much to my surprise, I found this to be an exceptional experience. I created unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and I learned valuable skills for my future. I recommend this experience to anymore looking for a change, or simply looking to learn something new. Knowledge is power, and you should never limit your power, for the fear of experiencing something different.